ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Nominations for Sardar Patel National Unity Award extended till 31st October 2020
The online nomination process for Sardar Patel National Unity Award, the highest civilian award in the field of contribution to the unity and integrity of India, has now been extended till 31.10.2020. The nominations are being received online in the Ministry of Home Affairs website https://nationalunityawards.mha.gov.in.
Government of India has instituted the award in the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Award seeks to recognize notable and inspiring contributions to promote the cause of national unity and integrity and to reinforce the value of a strong and united India.
The decoration of the Award is given below:
Special Service and Features
Blood donation drive at Kendriya Vidyalaya on Independence Day
As part of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav celebration, a blood donation camp, in association with Tamil Nadu Government Hospital, Royapettah will be held in Kendriya Vidyalaya IIT, Chennai on the Independence Day at 8.30 am
A team of doctors headed by Dr P. Tamilmani, Sr. Chief Civil Surgeon, Blood Bank, Royapettah Govt. Hospital will lead the programme. Staff members, parents, and alumni of KV IIT, members from KVS Regional Office, Chennai, staff from other Kendriya Vidyalayas, staff, sudents and faculties of IIT Madras and volunteers will participate in this drive. Public are also welcome to donate blood.
This has been stated in a press release issued by Dr. M. Manickasamy, Principal, KV IIT.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Georgia
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of the Air Services Agreement  between India and Georgia.
The Agreement between the two countries is based on latest International Civil Aviation Organization  template keeping in view of developments in Civil Aviation sector and with an objective to improve the air connectivity between the two countries. Presently there is no Air Services Agreement between these two countries. ASA is the basic legal framework for any air operation between the two countries.
The agreement will help establish air connectivity between the two countries.
The features of the Air Services Agreement are as follows:
i. Both countries shall be entitled to designate one or more airline.
ii. Now the Indian carriers can operate to any points in Georgia from any points in India. Whereas the carriers of Georgia can establish direct operation to six points namely New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Goa. Apart from this through routing flexibility any intermediate and beyond point can also be served by the designated carriers of both sides.
iii. The designated airlines of either country shall have the right to establish offices in the territory of the other country for the promotion and sale of air services.
iv. The designated Airline of each party can enter into cooperative marketing arrangements with the designated carriers of same party, other party and that of a Third party. In view of this, it will not only facilitate the direct connectivity but also connectivity through 3rd country carriers. It will provide viable options for the carriers of both countries.
The Air Services Agreement between India and the Georgia has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries bringing it in tune with the developments in the civil aviation sector. It will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides ensuring greater safety and security.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister meets with Mohamed Nasheed, Speaker of People’s Majlis of Maldives
Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, Speaker of People's Majlis of The Maldives, who is on a visit to India at the joint invitation of the Chairman,Rajya Sabha, and the Speaker, Lok Sabha, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in New Delhi today.
Welcoming Speaker Nasheed, Prime Minister noted that engagement between the two Parliaments is a key component of the vibrant India-Maldives relationship and expressed confidence that this visit will help consolidatebridges of friendship between the two sides.
Recalling his last visit to Malé in June this year, when he also addressed the People’s Majlis, Prime Minister lauded the continued strong leadership of Speaker Nasheed to the cause of deepening and strengthening democracy in Maldives. Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to continue to work closely with the Government of the Maldives for a stable, prosperous and peaceful Maldives wherein the aspirations of the friendly Maldivian are fulfilled.
Speaker Nasheed thanked the Prime Minister for his continued support for a stronger India-Maldives relationship since the formation of the new Government in The Maldives last year. He also thanked Prime Minister for the development cooperation initiatives undertaken in The Maldives for the welfare of the Maldivian people. He reaffirmed his unwavering support to the ‘India First’ policy of the Government of Maldives and noted that the visit of the Parliamentary delegation will help further strengthen the fraternal bonds and friendly relations between the two countries.
Ministry of Power
NTPC celebrates ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign with patriotic fervour
NTPC Ltd is celebrating ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign with patriotic zeal and fervour. The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign comes under the aegis of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and has been implemented to encourage employees, associates and people living in the vicinity to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to honour the 75th year of India’s independence.
At NTPC project locations, Indian Flags are bring provided to the nearby local community to celebrate 75 years of Indian Independence and "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign.
Employees of NTPC are hoisting the Flag at their respective homes to commemorate the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. Employees have registered on www.harghartiranga.com to showcase their pictures with the Indian Flag to commemorate the “Har Ghar Tiranga” spirit.
The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and make them remember the contribution made by the country's freedom fighters for India’s Independence and to promote awareness about the Indian National Flag.
Ministry of Rural Development
Strategy for Poverty Alleviation in Rural Areas
Multi-pronged strategies are being taken by the Ministry of Rural Development  to address rural poverty and improve the economic well-being of the people in rural areas with the main focus on increasing livelihood opportunities, empowering rural women, providing social safety net, skilling of rural youth, infrastructure development, increasing land productivity etc. through programmes of Department of Rural Development, viz., Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme , Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission , Deen Dayal Upadhyay – Gramin Kaushalya Yojana , Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin , Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana , Shyama Prasad Mukherjee National RuRBAN Mission  and National Social Assistance Programme , and programmes of Department of Land Resources, viz., Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana .
MoRD accords emphasis on proper implementation of all its rural development schemes. In order to ensure that the programme benefits reach the rural poor, the Ministry has evolved a comprehensive multi-level and multi-format system of monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of rural development programmes, including Performance Review Committee Meetings, District Development Co-ordination and Monitoring Committee  meetings, National Level Monitors , Area Officers Schemes, Common Review Mission, Concurrent Evaluation and Impact Assessment Studies. Social Audits are also conducted by some schemes like Mahatma Gandhi NREGS and PMAY-G. Third-Party evaluation of the schemes is also carried out regularly and actions, as appropriate, are taken on the findings. In addition to above, steps have also been taken to strengthen transparency and accountability using transaction based IT systems for MIS which include geo-tagging of assets, Direct Benefit Transfer , National electronic Fund Management System , Aadhaar Based Payment System , Software for Estimate Calculation using Rural rates for Employment  and establishment of independent social audit units and appointment of Ombudsman. State specific reviews of States/UTs are also undertaken from time to time. Further, the Ministry monitors the disposal of public grievances as well as reports in media on the status of implementation of schemes.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Rural Development Ms Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply in Rajya Sabha Today.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Jal Shakti Minister Shekhawat reviews Jal Jeevan Mission in Southern States : Stresses Need for early steps
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has emphasized the urgency to start work on Jal Jeevan Mission as the first six months of the mission are critical for the success of the mission. He was speaking at the regional review of Jal Jeevan Mission at Hyderabad today. The regional review included states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu,Telangana and UTs of Puduchery and Lakhsdweep.
In the review, the preparation and progress on water related schemes in the Southern States was assessed and the way forward was discussed. Parameswaran Iyer,Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shaktihighlighted the steps that are needed to be taken for proper implementation of the programme. He stressed the need for retrofitting the existing schemes to incorporate household tap connections and also for a streamlined system of financial management; and assured the states of a smooth fund flow from the centre. He also advised the States on the steps envisaged for sustaining the gains of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The states were apprised regarding the steps to be taken in the next phase that is ODF Plus to keep the sanitation momentum going.
Announced by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on 73rd Independence Day, the Jal Jeevan Mission  aims at providing Functional Household Tap Connections  in rural areas by 2024. Government of India and State Governments will work in partnership to further this goal. Approx. 14.60 crores rural households of the country will be provided with FHTCs. The provisional cost estimate for this mission is Rs 3.60 lakh Crores.
Further to the announcement, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, which is the implementing Department for the mission, has been holding region-wise stakeholder consultation workshops. Five such regional workshops with stakeholders had already been organized on JJM.
Today’s session was chaired by Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat wherein Dr. P. Anil Kumar, Minister of water Resources, Andhra Pradesh, K. S. Eshwarappa, Minister of RD, PR and Youth services, Karnataka, Dayakar Rao, Minister of RD, PR and MB, Telangana were also present. During this workshop, 120 officials from these states and Central/ State Organisations in the field of water participated. The proposed modalities of implementation of JJM were discussed in detail with the stakeholders at this meeting.
After the meeting, Shri Shekhawat also held a bilateral meeting with Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao to discuss water and sanitation issues in the State.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Fixation of Ceiling Prices/MRP of medicines resulted in total savings of Rs. 11,463 crores to public: Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya
Minister of State for Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya, while giving a written reply to a question on benefits accrued to citizens due to reduction in the prices of essential medicines in recent past, in Lok Sabha today, said that fixation of ceiling prices/MRP of medicines has resulted in a total saving of Rs. 11,463 crores to the public after implementation of DPCO, 2013. This includes the saving of Rs. 4,547 crores on account fixation of ceiling price of coronary stents  and Rs. 1,500 crores on account of price fixation of Knee implants. The saving to consumer since May 2014, on account of the revision/price fixation is as under:-
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Particulars
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Saving to consumer 
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Under NLEM, 2011 from May, 2014 to Feb, 2016
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2,422
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Under NLEM, 2015 from March, 2016 to June, 2018
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2,644
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Coronary Stents in Feb, 2017 
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4,547
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Knee Implants in Aug, 2017
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1,500
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Para 19 - Cardio and Anti Diabetic in July, 2014
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350
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TOTAL
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11,463
Shri Mandaviya informed that the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority , as an ongoing process, fixes the ceiling prices of the formulations as and when formulations are included in the National List of Essential Medicines . NPPA fixes the ceiling prices of medicines listed in the Schedule - I of Drugs  Order, 2013 . Till June 2018, the Government has fixed the ceiling prices of 851 medicines  under Revised Schedule - I based on National List of Essential Medicines, 2015 .
The details of reduction in prices of scheduled formulations effected under DPCO, 2013 as compared to the highest price prevailing prior to the announcement of DPCO, 2013 for formulation of NLEM, 2015  are as follows:
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Statement showing reduction in ceiling prices of scheduled formulations with respect to maximum price under NELM 2015
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% reduction with respect to Maximum Price
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No. of scheduled formulations
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0<= 5%
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234
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5<=10%
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134
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10<=15%
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98
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15<=20%
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98
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20<=25%
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|
93
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25<=30%
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65
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30<=35%
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46
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35<=40%
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24
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Above 40%
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59
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Total formulations in NLEM, 2015
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851
The Minister further informed thatNPPA is effectively monitoring the prices of scheduled as well as non-scheduled medicines under DPCO, 2013 so that these formulations are available to public at ceiling prices notified and no manufacturer of non-scheduled formulations can increase more than 10% in price as per provisions of DPCO, 2013. It takes action against companies found overcharging the consumers based on the references received from the State Drugs Controllers / individuals, samples purchased from the open market, reports from market based data and complaints reported through the grievance redressal websites; ‘Pharma Jan Samadhan’ and ‘Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System ’.
Ministry of Defence
Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agricultre  Seminar 21-22 March 2022
Defence Exhibition and Vendor Development Series
Pune : 21 March, 2022
The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Lieutenant General JS Nain, PVSM, AVSM, SM addressed an MCCIA seminar as Chief Guest on 21 March 2022. The event was also attended by senior dignitaries of Headquarters Southern Command and members of the Army’s Regional Technology Node.
The event apart from interaction between various stakeholders also hosted an interesting display of indigenously produced defence products.
Addressing the gathering, which also included heads of industry, MCCIA officials and members from the MoD, DGQA & DRDO, the Army Commander stressed on the urgent need to shift towards indigenisation of defence production, especially in the light of recent global events. He said that the Armed Forces need to be ready to undertake operations at very short notice and that conventional warfare should be supplemented by contemporary technologies such as Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Unmanned and Robotic Systems amongst others. He stressed that indigenisation would help resolve our own security needs and project the nation as a producer of weapon systems.
The General mentioned that the Rules of Doing Business have been simplified and various initiatives taken by the Govt to introduce newer regulations to assist industry, fast track Research & Development  and procurement procedures. In addition, new changes to the Defence Acquisition Procedure and significant increase in budget allocation under ‘Atmanirbharta’ in Defence have been announced which will give a much-desired fillip to defence procurement. He touched upon the various routes through which the Defence Industry could engage with the Armed Forces and urged them to nurture MSMEs and Tier I and II suppliers to strengthen our industrial base.
MI/PM
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Ministry of Defence
Swarnim Vijay Varsh Celebrations: Victory Flame Reaching Mumbai on 01 Sep 21
Victory flame to be taken to the houses of 1971 war veterans
Victory flame to be stationed in Mumbai till 09 Sep, before its departure for Panaji, Goa
Mumbai, 30 August 2021
The Victory flame also known as ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ symbolizing India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971 war is reaching Mumbai on 01 Sep 2021 and will be received by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray at Gateway of India, Mumbai.
To commemorate the milestone in our nation’s history, the celebration of 50 years of victory in the 1971 war as Swarnim Vijay Varsh was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the National War Memorial, New Delhi on 16 Dec 2020. Four victory flames or Swarnim Vijay Mashaal lit from the eternal flame at National War Memorial are being carried throughout the cities and villages across the nation including the villages of Param Vir Chakra  and Maha Vir Chakra  Awardees of 1971 War. This hallowed victory flame has been sent to four cardinal directions of the country before converging back at New Delhi in December 2021.
The flame moving in Western direction will arrive at Gateway of India, Mumbai from Vadodara on 01 Sep 2021. The event will be attended by prominent Military dignitaries from the three services and civil dignitaries. The Chief Minister will also felicitate Chakra Awardees of 1971 operations during the ceremony at Gateway of India.
The Victory flame will be stationed at Mumbai till 09 Sep 2021 before its departure for Panaji, Goa. During this period the Indian Armed Forces will be organising various ceremonial and cultural events. The Victory flame will also be taken to the houses of 1971 war veterans as a symbol of respect and to honour the Chakra awardees and soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1971 war.PIB Mumbai-DL/DR
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Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
CPWD celebrates its 167th Annual Day
Central Public Works Department celebrated 167th year of its glorious service to the nation on July 12, 2021. It was a low key function held digitally in view of the pandemic.
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri,Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs graced the occasion as the ‘Chief Guest’ and Shri Kaushal Kishore, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs graced the event as ‘Guest ofHonour’. The event was also attended by Shri DurgaShanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
During the inaugural function, four technical publications, CPWD Floral Tableaux : A Treasure Collection, ERP e-Modules, NirmanBharati – in house publication of CPWD and CPWD Telephone Directory 2021 was released by the dignitaries. A short film on CPWD depicting the activities and achievements of CPWD was also screened during the function.
On this occasion, CPWD Medals were conferred upon the best performing officers of the department followed by technical presentations made by the officers of CPWD and other experts.
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Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism organises 17th session of "Dekho Apna Desh" webinar series on ‘Exploring River Nila’
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India’s 17th session of Dekho Apna Desh webinar on 9th April 2020, titled ‘Exploring River Nila’ was about showcasing meaningful travel experiences for travelers that are offered by relatively unvisited places.
Presented by Gopinath Parayil, Founder, The Blue Yonder, Anita Nair, Writer and Storyteller and Arun Narayanan, INTACH Palakkad , the webinar took the participants to a journey into lesser known towns and villages along the River Nilaaalso known as Bharathapuzha in Kerala which offers authentic and unique experiences to the discerning travellers and explorers .
The story ‘Exploring River Nila’ was modelled on showcasing the tenets of responsible tourism that involves finding uniqueness about a place , the people who live in it, and sharing it with the people who come to visit. The presenters spoke about local food, festivals, art forms , traditions and also about conserving the nature, landscapes, heritage and community of the places that people travel to .
The destinations showcased in webinar are located in Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram Districts in Kerala which can be easily accessed by air through Coimbatore, Kochi and Kozikodeairports and well connected by rail and road network.
The focus of Dekho Apna Desh webinar series is promotion of domestic tourism. During the present lockdown period, the Ministry of Tourism is making all efforts to engage with the stakeholders of tourism industry and the citizens of the country to sustain their interest in travelling within the country once travel restrictions are lifted. The Participants in these webinars have included tourism stakeholders, students and the general public from all across the country.
The sessions of webinars are now available on the https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzIbBmMvtvH7d6Zo_ZEHDA/featured and also on all social media handles of Ministry of Tourism , Government of India.
The next webinar titled Odisha: India’s Best Kept Secret is scheduled on 12th May 2020 at 11.00 amand registrations can be done by visiting link https://bit.ly/OdishaDAD
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
GeM MoU with UP state for Project Management Unit
Government eMarketplace , under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Government of Uttar Pradesh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding  to set up a GeM Organizational Transformation Team  Project Management Unit  in the State.
The MoU aims to expedite the harmonization of the procurement guidelines of the two entities and integration of systems, enabling seamless procuring experience. The PMU to be setup under the MoU will make it easier for MSMEs of U.P. to onboard and transact on GeM. Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has advised Ministries and Departments of Central and State Governments to consider services of GOTT on an outcome based self-sustenance model. GOTT will assist the buyer agency to redesign the procurement processes and enhance competencies to derive maximum benefit from the online marketplace.
The MoU was signed by CEO, GeM, Talleen Kumar and Principal Secretary, Department of MSME and Export Promotion, Navneet Sehgal on 25th January 2020. Cabinet Minister, Siddarth Nath Singh and Minister of State, Government of Uttar Pradesh, UdayBhan Singh were also present on this occasion.
The Government of Uttar Pradesh is the second State after Punjab to establish a GOTT-PMU for effectively utilizing this transformational initiative towards inclusive, efficient and transparent procurement. Among the CPSEs, SAIL has already signed MoU for setting up a PMU. Many other states and CPSEs are in the process of setting up GOTT-PMUs.